A ferret is a domestic animal. Most domestic ferrets have black, brown or white fur. Although modern breeding has made an array of colors and patterns available today. Ferrets are on average 20 inches in length which includes a 5 inch tail and they weigh about 2 to 5 pounds. They have an ordinary life span of 7 to 10 years. Ferrets are also kept as pets in many homes. If you love cute and quiet pets then ferrets might be the best pet for you.

The first reference of domestic ferrets was in 400 B.C. in Greek writings although some believe the ferret to have been domesticated long before that by the Egyptians. Ferrets have also been used throughout time to flush rabbits and even be carried on ships and rat exterminators. In Modern times they have been used as aircraft and conduit wire runners.

Before buying a ferret and bringing it home you should make sure that they have the necessary vaccinations. You should find out if they have been fixed or descented (most in us pet stores are). Also consider visiting your local shelter and rescue a ferret in need of a loving home. You should take great care in providing a large enough cage for them to move about in and there should be a separate places for them where they can sleep and eat properly. There are many cage items available including cozy beds, hanging bunks, and hammocks. A ferret cage should be kept indoors and out of direct sunlight. Ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes and are vulnerable to heat stroke at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Today there are many ferret rescue organization that are established for the welfare and safety of domestic ferrets. These organizations are working for to educate the public about the total care of the ferret as a pet.

Ferrets can be trained efficiently but it is not as easy as training a dog. The best way to train a ferret is with short training session as they don't all have the longest of attention spans. Positive reinforcements such as treats and praise work well for encouraging positive behavior such as using a litter box. Ferrets are social by nature and need your attention or they may become depressed and maybe even stop eating. If you do not have about 4hrs a day to devote to your ferret than it might not be the pet for you. Nipping is also a problem of ferrets but the habit is easily broken if you are consistent with your training.

Ferrets are strict carnivores and should only be fed meat or ferret food made from mostly meat products. Ferret food containing fish as a main ingredient should not be used. Ferret food should be around 40 percent animal protein and about 25 percent fat. It is also important to trim your ferrets nails every two or three weeks.

Ferrets can make great pets but they are not for everyone, make sure your comfortable with all the aspects of owning a pet ferret before you commit to purchasing or adopting one.